LifeSkills Launch Sports ‘Work Experience Of A Lifetime’

LifeSkills created with Barclays, is giving young people the chance to apply for the work experience of a lifetime in sports and entertainment.

The opportunities have been created for LifeSkills participants to inspire young people to believe that if they have a passion, as well as the drive and willingness to learn new skills, they can achieve their ambitions.

The week-long positions will take place in February 2016 and have been created to provide behind the scenes work experience access at 16 Barclays Premier League clubs (including current Champions Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur) as well as cutting-edge entertainment organisations and venues such as The O2, Shazam and the Barclaycard Arena.

Open to 18 to 24 year olds, the dream roles can be applied for by signing up to LifeSkills and using the online CV Builder tool.

The campaign is backed by award-winning music artist and football fan Tinie Tempah who stars in a 60-second video on the Barclays Football Facebook Page, and other social media channels, in which he urges young people to follow their passion for sport or entertainment by signing-up for the chance of a lifetime.

Tinie said: “I have been very lucky to have the advice and support of so many people throughout my career - and I wouldn't be where I am without that - so I see it as my responsibility to pass on what I have learnt and help young people realise that it’s possible to work in the fields they are truly passionate about – they just need the discipline and most importantly the drive to take that first step.

“Through LifeSkills, the door is now open to the world of sport and entertainment but it’s up to each individual to grab their opportunity.

“It’s not all about the artist on stage at The O2 or the Barclays Premier League striker scoring in front of 60,000 fans. There’s always an unbelievable team behind those people.”

Kirstie Mackey, Head of LifeSkills, added: “LifeSkills is about inspiring young people and giving them the skills they need to take control of their own ambitions.

“Working alongside partners such as the Premier League, Shazam, The O2 and The Barclaycard Arena we’re really excited to be able to offer these motivating and unique opportunities.

“These work placements have the potential to help young people from all backgrounds see what is available if you work hard and follow your passion – they just need to take that first step by signing up with LifeSkills.”

A host of Barclays Premier League clubs have signed up to the initiative including Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Southampton and Leicester City.

They are offering opportunities to participants across marketing, coaching, administration, retail, hospitality and catering. All of the clubs will be supporting the scheme through in ground advertising, programme advertising and social media.

LifeSkills is a free, curriculum-lead programme developed to inspire young people to get the skills they need for a better future.